CHESTER City's managing director Gareth Evans has turned down the chance of investing in the club, he claimed this week.

But Evans, a promoter and business manager away from the Deva Stadium, is prepared to join any rescue mission which may be launched by local fans or business people.

Introduced to Terry Smith by former commercial manager Dan Brooks ­- they knew each other from the music industry ­- he has been trying to kick-start Chester's commercial department and says he has lined up a shirt sponsor and a major ground advertiser.

'The Smiths asked me to put money into the club,' he said. 'It was not a huge amount, but I told them I wasn't interested in joining them.

'If things go wrong at the club I would be happy to join a bid to rescue it. I have a reputation for making things work.'

Evans, who owns High Leigh Golf Club, near Knutsford, and has managed indie band The Stone Roses and promoted numerous pop concerts, is mourning his son who died recently.

'I lost some enthusiasm for my work with the club immediately after his death, but I have developed a real affection for Chester City and I would like to see it prosper,' he added.

'The main priority at the moment is to get the Woking match on next week whether the staff are paid on Wednesday or not. But we need time to pick up the pieces and we certainly need the stewards back. It is costing a lot of money to hire stewards on matchdays.'

He is well-known on the North West golf circuit and has organised charity events, often involving famous footballers. He lists among his friends Manchester United legends Denis Law and Pat Crerand, who he wanted to invite to the Deva Stadium to help the Chester City players.

Evans revealed that he last saw Terry Smith last week. 'He was very depressed about the cancellation of the Everton and Tranmere matches and with the attendance at the Port Vale game,' he said.